Lindam, the UK’s number one brand in safety*, have created a ‘Stay Safe at Home’ guide, to help parents remove potential dangers.
This will create a safe environment for their children to live and play. According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, over two million children are taken to hospital each year after having an accident and approximately half of these happen in the home. Falls, burns and poisoning are the most commonly recorded injuries.
We recognise that children should not be prevented from learning and developing naturally but they need to grow in a safe environment protected from serious harm. It is vital that parents are fully aware of any dangers and more importantly how to remove them.
The KitchenThis is one of the most hazardous rooms in the home. Not only are toddlers at risk from burns and scalds, but more often our cleaning products are kept under the kitchen sink, risking potential poisoning accidents. To prevent such accidents happening, a safety gate on the kitchen door will ensure that your little explorer cannot wander in without your knowledge.
Top tips: Use the back burners on your hob rather than the front ones
Store cleaning products in wall cupboards so they are out of reach
Always ensure that lids are securely fastened and where possible buy products which have child safety lids
Most pump spray cleaners now come with lockable caps. Make sure you turn them to the off position when not in use
Recommended buys: Lindam Multi purpose latches and appliance latches.
A Lindam safety gate – Easy Fit Plus if you want to be able to remove the gate frequently and don’t want to screw it directly to the wall, or an extending wood or metal gate if you want a more natural looking, permanent fixture and you are happy to fix it directly to the wall
Living RoomMany pieces of furniture in the living room have sharp corners – such as coffee tables, dining tables and display cabinets, which could cause a serious injury. Add to this the fireplace, cables and wires, numerous plug sockets and the dangers soon add up. . Playpens can be used to contain young children and keep them away from dangerous areas.
Top tips: Always use a fire guard, even if you have an electric fire as the heat of the glass can still cause serious burns
Move vases, ornaments and photo frames out of reach and remove the temptation for your little one to pull themselves up onto the furniture to touch them.
Keep all DVDs and CDs in their cases and in a cupboard or drawer which can be locked with a safety latch
Recommended buys Lindam Corner cushions, socket covers, safety catches
Lindam Fireguard
Lindam Soft sided or metal play pen
The StairsFalling down the stairs is one of the most common toddler accidents. Fitting a safety gate is the quickest and simplest way to prevent these accidents. It is important to install the correct type of gate at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
Top tips:You should choose a wall mounted safety gate for the top of the stairs which is screwed directly into the wall and doesn’t have a bar running along the bottom, which could be a potential trip hazard at the top of the stairs. A pressure fit or wall mounted safety gate can be used at the bottom of the stairs.
Recommended buys
Lindam pressure fit safety gate – such as the Easy Fit Plus for the bottom of the stairs
Lindam wall mounted safety gate – such as an extending wood or metal gate for the top of the stairs.
The BedroomOnce your child moves to a bed, consider putting another safety gate on the bedroom door to ensure total peace of mind that they are contained whilst you are sleeping. Avoid bumps in the night by putting a soft sided bed rail on the side of their bed. Today’s new video monitors allow you to see what your child is getting up to once you have put them to bed enabling you to quickly prevent any potential accidents.
Top tips: Keep all creams and lotions in a drawer, using a drawer lock to keep them out of reach
Keep nappy bags in a secure drawer
Don’t forget your bedroom. Perfumes, makeup, hair gels and hairdryers and hair stylers also need to be stored out of reach
Recommended buys: Lindam pressure fit safety gate, socket covers, safety catches and multi-purpose latches, a door stopper
Lindam digital video monitor
The BathroomThis is home to many poisonous liquids. Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water so it is critical that your child doesn’t enter the bathroom without your knowledge. ALL bottles and medicines should be stored away in a locked cabinet. Radiators and towel rails are also something to be aware of as these can easily burn.
Top Tips Be vigilant about keeping perfumes, shampoos, toothpastes out of reach and either buy products with, or transfer products into bottles with, tamper proof tops
Recommended buys Lindam multi-purpose latches
Lindam Cabinet locks
September 2009
For details on all of Lindam's products, please visit
*[source NPD Retail Tracking service – 2008 & Q1 2009 in £] |
Electrical Safety In The Home
